NHS Choices faces stiff completion from websites such as BBCHealth, Boots and NetDoctor to take home their second gong, having previously picked up the award of 'Most popular Body & Mind site' in 2009.

The British Website of the Year has been running since 2005 and is based entirely on a public vote. From 3 October until 11 November, the British public can rate its favourites in 21 categories, covering genres like shopping, games and Government, based on content, navigation and design. Each category has two winners.

The website with the highest amount of votes in a certain category will be elected as the 'Most Popular Website of 2011'. The website with the highest average rating within its category will be elected as the 'Best Website of 2011'.

NHS Choices is the country's biggest health website and provides the online 'front door' to the NHS, giving information that the public needs to make online choices about its health.

The site has distinguished itself by keeping up to date with current trends in web design, through its use of social media, syndication (which allows other websites and widgets to plug into NHS content) and creating a mobile site for use with smartphones and tablets.

Bob Gann, Head of Strategy and Engagement, is delighted with the news. He said: "This is a real validation of all the hard work that the team have put into the site. We are pleased to be up against such high-quality sites as Boots and BBCHealth."

To find out more about the award and to cast your vote, please visit the website of the 'Website of the Year' competition.